Wisconsin: Badger State

Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland" for cheese production, plus Green Bay Packers, beer brewing, and lakes. The state features forests in the north, farmland in the south, and manufacturing heritage.

Wisconsin has 15,000 lakes and extensive Great Lakes shoreline. Milwaukee is the largest city with brewing heritage (Miller, Pabst). Madison, the capital, is a liberal college town home to University of Wisconsin. Door County is "the Cape Cod of the Midwest." The Dells are a tourist destination. Apostle Islands in Lake Superior have caves and lighthouses. Green Bay Packers are publicly owned with passionate fanbase.

Wisconsin's economy includes manufacturing, agriculture (dairy, cranberries), brewing, and tourism. The state leads cheese production with over 600 varieties. Progressive politics originated here (Robert La Follette). Wisconsin has strong labor union history. Fish fries, bratwurst, and cheese curds are culinary staples. The state has shifted politically from progressive to swing state. Despite industrial challenges, Wisconsin maintains quality of life, natural beauty, and strong identity around cheese, beer, and the Packers.